Nissan Leaf's successor to be an electric SUV - report

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【Summary】Nissan's next-generation Leaf electric car will be transformed into an SUV by 2026, moving away from its traditional hatchback design. The decision comes as Chinese and South Korean brands have surpassed the Leaf in terms of driving range, charging speed, and technology. The new Leaf could offer a 25% increase in driving range compared to the current model. Nissan also plans to introduce two additional electric models, including a performance sedan and another SUV, by the end of the decade.

FutureCar Staff Aug 31, 2023 6:29 AM PT

Nissan Leaf's successor to be an electric SUV - report

The Nissan Leaf, known as a pioneer for mass-market electric cars, is set to undergo a significant transformation. According to overseas reports, the third-generation Leaf will transition from its familiar hatchback design to become an SUV starting in 2026. This marks the end of the model's nearly fifteen-year run as a battery-powered hatchback.

In recent years, the Nissan Leaf has faced tough competition from Chinese and South Korean brands, which have surpassed it in terms of driving range, charging speed, and technology. As a result, the Leaf has slipped down the sales charts. To address this, Nissan executives have informed US dealers that the new Leaf may adopt a design similar to the larger Ariya SUV, departing from its traditional hatchback shape. While no photos were provided, the "Chill-Out" concept showcased by Nissan in 2021 could offer a glimpse into the future design of the Leaf, with its sloping back window and increased ride height aligning with the presentation's objectives.

According to Automotive News, the next-generation Nissan Leaf is expected to offer up to 25 percent more driving range than the current model, which boasts a claimed range of 270km to 385km, depending on battery capacity. This improvement in range aims to address one of the key areas where the Leaf has fallen behind its competitors.

Government documents indicate that production of the new Leaf is slated to commence at Nissan's Sunderland factory in 2026, as reported by UK publication Autocar in May 2023. Additionally, Nissan dealers were informed about two other electric models expected to join the lineup before the end of the decade. The first is a performance sedan, while the second is another SUV utilizing the CMF-EV electric-car platform shared with the Nissan Ariya and Renault Megane E-Tech Electric.

Nissan has ambitious plans for its electric vehicle lineup, aiming to launch 15 electric cars and eight new hybrid models by 2030. The company also aims to achieve "price parity" between its electric and traditional engine models by 2030, despite the current disparity of approximately 50 percent.

On a personal note, Jordan Mulach, a Canberra/Ngunnawal native currently residing in Brisbane/Turrbal, joined the Drive team in 2022. With experience working for various automotive publications, Jordan is an avid iRacing enthusiast and enjoys spending his weekends either behind the wheel of his Octavia RS or tinkering with his ZH Fairlane.